Blackstone-Millville school panel approves groundskeeper, facilities director and early intervention facilitator

The Blackstone-Millville Regional School Committee approved three job descriptions on June 10 to address facilities and early childhood needs.

Superintendent Jason DeFalco introduced the proposals and asked the committee to consider a .75 groundskeeper position, a 12-month administrative facilities director and an early childhood early intervention facilitator to support the district's preschool expansion and maintenance needs. Erin Worth explained the groundskeeper would maintain regional athletic fields and perform custodial duties in inclement weather; the posting is expected to be for a 0.75 custodial-scale groundskeeper. The facilities director was described as a 12-month, non-union administrative role reporting to the assistant superintendent, responsible for building systems, contractors, MSBA project oversight, security and licensing. The early intervention facilitator would coordinate preschool referrals and initial evaluations and help reduce in-class assessment burdens.

The motion to approve the facilities director position was moved by Tim (first name used in the transcript) and seconded by Amanda Gilman; the early intervention facilitator motion was moved by Tara Larkin and seconded by Tim. The committee voted in favor of each job description with no recorded oppositions. The committee heard budget staff say identified savings and upcoming lease buyouts should allow funding the positions without exceeding the district's financial targets for next year.

Committee members emphasized the facilities director's role in preparing for capital projects and in working with town building inspectors and contractors, and discussed posting and compensation details for the groundskeeper role so it can attract qualified applicants. The early intervention facilitator drew attention because district staff reported a large influx of EI referrals following COVID-era service interruptions: presenters said roughly 30 EI evaluations had taken place this year and preschool enrollment plans anticipate 40'47 role-model slots once expanded.

The committee directed staff to post the job descriptions and proceed with search committee planning. No hiring decisions were made at the meeting; posting and candidate selection steps were described as the next actions.